BitFunder Founder Charged by SEC for Stealing $61 Million Worth of BTC 964

Today, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) brought charges against Jon E. Montroll and his exchange BitFunder for operating an unregistered securities exchange and defrauding users. On top of that, the agency also charged the operator — Montroll — with making false and misleading statements in connection with an unregistered offering of securities. BitFunder was a platform that permitted users to buy and sell virtual “shares” of various digital currency-related enterprises in exchange for Bitcoin.

“We allege that BitFunder operated unlawfully as an unregistered securities exchange.  Platforms that engage in the activity of a national securities exchange, regardless of whether that activity involves digital assets, tokens, or coins, must register with the SEC or operate pursuant to an exemption.  We will continue to focus on these types of platforms to protect investors and ensure compliance with the securities laws,” said Marc Berger, Director of the SEC’s New York Regional Office.

The SEC’s complaint, filed in federal district court in Manhattan, charges Montroll and BitFunder with violations of the anti-fraud and registration provisions of the federal securities laws. The complaint seeks permanent injunctions and disgorgement plus interest and penalties. 

The agency alleges Montroll operated BitFunder as an unregistered online securities exchange and defrauded exchange users by misappropriating their Bitcoin, and also for failing to disclose a cyberattack on BitFunder’s system that resulted in the theft of more than 6,000 Bitcoin. Going off the price of Bitcoin today, that’s about $61,800,000.

“As alleged in the complaint, Montroll defrauded exchange users by misappropriating their bitcoins and failing to disclose a cyberattack on the exchange’s system and the resulting bitcoin theft.  We will continue to vigorously police conduct involving distributed ledger technology and ensure that bad actors who commit fraud in this space are held accountable,” said Lara S. Mehraban, Associate Regional Director of the SEC’s New York Regional Office.

Unfortunately for Montroll, his legal troubles don’t stop with the SEC: Also today, in a parallel criminal case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York filed a complaint against him for perjury and obstruction of justice during the SEC’s investigation. This implies that Montroll, in some way, must have not fully cooperated with the SEC during the agency’s investigation.

This case comes as the SEC is cracking down on other companies and individuals it believes are partaking in shady business within the crypto-space. In January of this year, the agency advised people to “exercise caution” with Bitcoin and other digital currencies.

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QDVI Launches Blockchain Real Estate with Tokenized Luxury Properties 755

QDVI (QDV) is changing real estate investment by bringing luxury properties to the blockchain. Investors can now own shares in high-end hotels and premium apartments through tokenization. This model lowers the entry barrier to luxury real estate, making it more accessible.

The ICO launch gives investors a secure and transparent way to invest in real estate-backed digital assets. Token holders can earn passive income, stake tokens, and refer others for commissions. The funds raised will help build a 5-star hotel in Kudowa-Zdrój and expand QDVI’s global property portfolio.

Tokenized Real Estate: A New Investment Model

QDVI allows investors to own fractions of high-value properties. Tokenization simplifies the process and adds liquidity, unlike traditional real estate investments. Here are some key highlights on this newly born project:

  • Lower Entry Costs – Investors can join with small amounts instead of large capital.
  • Blockchain Security – All transactions are recorded on an immutable ledger, ensuring transparency.
  • Passive Income – Token holders earn from staking rewards and rental profits from QDVI properties.
  • Sustainable Approach – Properties use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

This hybrid model merges traditional real estate ownership with modern blockchain advantages.

A Growing Community of Real Estate and Web3 Enthusiasts

QDVI offers multiple ways to earn and engage with luxury real estate investments, making it rewarding and accessible for everyone.

With as little as $100, investors can stake QDVI tokens to earn passive income from rental profits and property profit-sharing. The platform also features a referral program. The system offers 10% commissions in USDT or USDC for bringing in new investors, with instant payouts and complete transparency.

Token holders enjoy multiple exclusive perks with this project. The benefits include discounted stays at QDVI properties, VIP privileges, priority booking, and access to exclusive events.

Global Expansion and Future Plans

QDVI is building a 5-star hotel in Kudowa-Zdrój, Poland, as its flagship property. The roadmap includes acquiring luxury apartments in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Future plans focus on:

  • Expanding real estate holdings in prime global destinations.
  • Enhancing sustainability with green building practices.
  • Increasing liquidity through token trading options.

With blockchain transparency and secure investment structures, QDVI offers a new way to invest in luxury real estate.

About QDVI

QDVI is a blockchain-powered real estate investment platform. It enables investors to own shares in luxury hotels and apartments. The $QDVI token provides staking rewards, profit-sharing, and exclusive perks.

Through secure blockchain technology, QDVI makes high-end property investment accessible, transparent, and rewarding. QDVI’s tokenomics mentions a total supply of 50,000,000,000 QDV coins. Nearly a third (30%) of the supply will go to the ICO. The rest will fund development, the presale, marketing efforts, and more.

The project’s ICO is a way to join the growing QDVI community and approach its vision to revolutionize real estate investment.

Chainlink CCIP, Data Streams, and Data Feeds Are Now Live on Soneium Mainnet 900

Developers on Soneium can now build feature-rich applications and drive onchain innovation

Chainlink, the standard for onchain finance, and Sony Block Solutions Labs—an initiative behind the next-generation Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain Soneium—announced today that Chainlink CCIP, Chainlink Data Streams and Data Feeds are now live on Soneium Mainnet, empowering Soneium’s developer ecosystem to build feature-rich applications and drive onchain innovation. Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) has now been integrated as Soneium’s canonical cross-chain infrastructure.

Sony Block Solution Labs unveiled Soneium in August 2024 to bring Web3 technologies to Sony Group’s extensive user base. Soneium was built to realize the open internet that transcends boundaries by connecting those with cultural differences and onboarding people onchain.

“Chainlink CCIP, Data Streams and Data Feeds are essential for those in Soneium’s developer ecosystem to realize novel onchain use cases for users. It also plays an important role in realizing the vision of an open internet. Developers now have access to critical Chainlink infrastructure that will allow them to expand what’s possible to build on Soneium.” – Jun Watanabe, Chairman of Sony BSL.

“Soneium has continued to show real momentum with its mainnet launch, while playing an important role in the industry in terms of increased scalability, exposure, and access to new audiences both within Japan and in the broader market. Chainlink CCIP, Data Streams and Data Feeds now give developers on Soneium the ability to build onchain apps much more seamlessly and securely than before, helping to increase adoption of the layer-2 solution built by Sony Block Solution Labs.” – Johann Eid, Chief Business Officer, Chainlink Labs

In September 2024, Chainlink and Sony Block Solutions Labs announced that Soneium had joined the Chainlink Scale program, an initiative centered around sustainably accelerating the growth of blockchain and layer-2 ecosystems.

About Chainlink

Chainlink is the standard for onchain finance, verifiable data, and cross-chain interoperability. Chainlink is unifying liquidity across global markets and has enabled over $19 trillion in transaction value across the blockchain economy. Major financial market infrastructures and institutions, such as Swift, Fidelity International, and ANZ Bank, as well as top DeFi protocols including Aave, GMX, and Lido, use Chainlink to power next-generation applications for banking, asset management, and other major sectors. Learn more by visiting chain.link.

About Soneium

Soneium, an Ethereum layer-2 developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs. This versatile chain is a general-purpose blockchain platform that aims to evoke emotion, empower creativity, and meet diverse needs. Soneium will be simplifying blockchain experiences while empowering developers, creators, and communities. Built on accessibility, scalability, and efficiency, it aims to improve quality of life across industries globally. Soneium challenges to change the way people interact with the internet, opening innovative applications and vast potential for users worldwide.

About Sony Block Solutions Labs

A Sony Group Company established to build a new network infrastructure using blockchain technology, The company announced the planning and development of blockchain in September 2023, and in August 2024, the company name was changed from Sony Network Communications Labs Pte. Ltd.

XRPH AI App Goes Live – Instant Multilingual Medical Guidance at Users’ Fingertips 1087

The future of healthcare guidance is here. The revolutionary XRPH AI App, built to evolve and continually learn, has officially launched and is available for free download on Google Play, the App Store, and directly via XRPH.ai.

Developed by XRP Healthcare’s in-house AI team, the XRPH AI App is designed to deliver instant, multilingual, and secure healthcare advice to users worldwide.

The XRPH AI App is more than just a medical tool—it’s an intelligent health companion powered by advanced AI, capable of understanding and responding in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility across diverse communities. Whether you seek traditional medical advice or holistic wellness guidance, XRPH AI has you covered.

  • Instant answers to health questions, available 24/7.
  • Voice interaction for in-depth health discussions.
  • Holistic health tips to promote overall well-being.
  • AI-powered real-time insights for proactive healthcare decisions.
  • Custom training and diet programs tailored to individual health needs, including blood type diets, weight-based training plans, and personalized fitness regimens.
  • Daily, weekly, and monthly structured wellness and fitness programs, designed to align with users’ goals and lifestyles.

With data encryption at its core, the XRPH AI App ensures that all interactions remain private and secure, safeguarding sensitive health-related discussions. All user information is fully anonymized, guaranteeing privacy while allowing personalized healthcare insights.

The XRPH AI App is not just a standalone innovation; it is a vital part of XRP Healthcare’s broader strategy to acquire and integrate private healthcare facilities and pharmacies in Uganda. By leveraging AI-powered insights, XRP Healthcare is streamlining operations, improving access to medical services, and enhancing patient care across the region.

XRP Healthcare’s strategy is further strengthened by its distinguished leadership and advisory team. Whitney Lynn, the billion-dollar M&A expert, brings unmatched expertise in executing strategic acquisitions, ensuring the company’s ambitious expansion plans are successfully realized.

Peter Waiswa, a leading healthcare advisor in Uganda with extensive experience in global health initiatives, including his work with UNICEF, provides invaluable insight into regional healthcare integration.

Meanwhile, Keith Errey, XRP Healthcare’s CTO, is a highly regarded innovator in AI and healthcare technology. His company, which has developed advanced solutions for the NHS, is a key driver behind XRPH AI’s technological capabilities, ensuring that the app remains at the cutting edge of AI-driven healthcare solutions.

XRP Healthcare is the first healthcare platform built on the XRP Ledger, setting a new benchmark in digital healthcare by seamlessly integrating AI, blockchain, and decentralized finance. This innovation ensures accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in healthcare services worldwide.

XRP Healthcare is also the first project on the XRP Ledger to integrate AI, with its multilingual AI-driven application providing real-time, personalized health guidance across both traditional and holistic medicine. By breaking language barriers, XRPH AI makes healthcare knowledge more inclusive and widely available.

Additionally, XRP Healthcare is the first project built on a blockchain to introduce a Prescription Savings Card, delivering discounts of up to 80% on medications at over 68,000 pharmacies in the U.S., including major chains like Walmart, CVS Pharmacy, and Walgreens.

This initiative not only enhances affordability but also showcases how blockchain technology can be leveraged to provide real-world benefits in the medical sector.

Kain Roomes, CEO of XRP Healthcare, added, “XRPH AI marks the beginning of a new era in digital healthcare. Our mission is to break down barriers to medical access by leveraging AI and blockchain, ensuring that quality healthcare is available to everyone, regardless of location or financial status. This is just the first step in a journey to revolutionize the industry, where technology bridges the gap between patients and medical professionals, creating a smarter, more connected healthcare ecosystem.”

Laban Roomes, COO and Co-Founder of XRP Healthcare, stated, “Healthcare should have no borders, and with XRPH AI, we are ensuring that everyone, no matter where they are or what language they speak, has access to instant, reliable, and secure medical advice. By integrating AI with multilingual capabilities, we are making healthcare universally accessible—giving individuals the power to take control of their health anytime, anywhere. This is a revolutionary step towards a future where technology empowers people to live healthier lives with confidence and ease.”

By leading the charge in AI-driven healthcare, XRP Healthcare is shaping the future of accessible, secure, and decentralized medical services.

The XRPH AI App will continue to evolve, with exciting new developments planned for future updates, ensuring users always have access to cutting-edge advancements in digital healthcare.

In addition, XRP Healthcare has teased a major global announcement, which is set to be revealed in the special edition of the XRP Healthcare Magazine. The magazine’s release has been deliberately delayed to include this groundbreaking update, now expected to be published sometime in March.

Smarter, instant, and secure healthcare advice is now accessible, all within reach. The XRPH AI App is available for free download on Google Play, the App Store, and via XRPH.ai, offering a transformative digital health experience powered by AI.

RedotPay Partners with StraitsX and Visa to Transform Digital Spending 1042

Partnership to Facilitate Launch of Crypto Credit Card for Seamless Transactions

RedotPay, a leading provider of crypto payment solutions, is excited to announce its collaboration with Visa and StraitsX to launch an innovative card program in Singapore. This initiative aims to redefine how users interact with their digital assets in everyday transactions by combining RedotPay’s innovative technology with Visa’s extensive global payment network. The collaboration is made possible through the essential support of StraitsX as the BIN sponsor for the card program.

Seamless Transactions

The new card program will empower users to spend their cryptocurrencies effortlessly across millions of Visa-accepting merchants worldwide. With this innovative solution, users can utilize their cryptocurrencies directly, thanks to RedotPay’s proprietary real-time conversion technology. This feature bridges the gap between digital assets and traditional commerce, making crypto spending as seamless as using a conventional debit or credit card.

Compliance and Security

RedotPay is committed to providing users with a secure and trustworthy platform for their transactions. The partnership emphasizes robust security measures to protect user data and funds, fostering confidence in the use of cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases.

Enhancing User Experience

“We are thrilled to partner with Visa and StraitsX to bring this innovative card program to Singapore,” said Michael, CEO of RedotPay. “This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to make crypto payments accessible and user-friendly, promoting the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies in payment systems. Our users will enjoy the flexibility of spending their digital assets just like traditional currency.”

Jason Tay, Head of Commercial at StraitsX said, “We are excited to support RedotPay in launching this innovative card program in Singapore. This partnership is a game changer for everyday retail use cases, enabling users to easily leverage their digital assets for daily transactions. As the BIN sponsor, StraitsX is dedicated to powering this initiative, which will transform how consumers interact with cryptocurrencies in the retail space. By combining our technology with Visa’s vast network, we are making it easier than ever for users to seamlessly integrate digital assets into their everyday spending.”

“Based on a Visa study, close to six in 10 consumers in Singapore are aware of cryptocurrencies. In fact, over 35 percent of cryptocurrency owners in Singapore use cryptocurrencies for retail purchases. We are happy to support our partners who are helping more cryptocurrency users have a more seamless payment experience and access to digital payments leveraging on their Visa cards for face-to-face or online transactions. Visa is committed to promoting innovation with our valued partners and this initiative with RedotPay and StraitsX aligns with our vision to become the best way to pay and be paid,” said Adeline Kim, Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.

Looking Ahead

The RedotPay card program soft launched late 2024, featuring a user-friendly interface designed for both convenience and security. Users will have the ability to manage their crypto assets easily, making everyday spending as simple as swiping a card.

About RedotPay

RedotPay is a leading crypto payment company, headquartered in Hong Kong, eligible to operate across various Asian, European, and other jurisdictions. Their mission is to enable crypto adoption as a medium of exchange, increase payment efficiency with blockchain, and promote financial inclusion for the unbanked. Through intuitive interfaces and proprietary blockchain technology, RedotPay simplifies crypto transactions while prioritizing enterprise-grade security. The platform enables seamless integration of digital assets into everyday spending, ensuring accessibility and trust for both businesses and individuals.

About StraitsX

StraitsX is Southeast Asia’s leading digital payment infrastructure provider and a licensed Major Payment Institution regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Leveraging blockchain technology within a secure, regulated environment, StraitsX empowers businesses and individuals with innovative tools for managing funds, integrating digital assets, and enabling seamless cross-border transactions. Through partnerships with global financial institutions, businesses, and developers, StraitsX is driving the future of digital payments and financial connectivity.

Hilbert Group unveils A360: Revolutionizing real-world asset tokenization on-chain, powered by Galactica IVM 1302

The Hilbert Group, a Nasdaq First North-listed company with over $500M+ assets under management (AUM), has announced the launch of A360, a protocol designed for fully compliant, on-chain spot trading of real-world equities and pre-IPO shares, powered by the Galactica.com tech stack.

A360: The Future of Tokenization

A360 is the first protocol designed for compliant, on-chain trading of pre-IPO shares (e.g., OpenAI, SpaceX) and traditional equities. By tokenizing real-world assets, A360 enables fractional ownership and liquidity for previously exclusive investment opportunities. The platform’s mission aligns with Hilbert’s ethos of breaking down barriers to wealth creation.

Whether for institutional or retail investors, the platform brings real-world assets onto the blockchain, transforming how financial markets operate. This unprecedented access to tangible assets is guaranteed to redefine global finance, particularly in emerging markets where access to equities is often limited.

Galactica: The Privacy-First Compliance Engine

A360 is powered by Galactica’s Identity Virtual Machine (IVM), a cutting-edge Web3 identity and compliance framework that ensures end-to-end legal adherence without compromising security or privacy.

A360 will be fully compliant by leveraging Galactica’s zkKYC, which guarantees privacy while offering fully regulated transactions.

Moreover, with the support of CT.com as incubation partner, A360 gets direct access to an extensive network of partners and industry leaders to bootstrap the launch of their new protocol.

A Vision for Financial Inclusion

Hilbert Group’s A360 project represents a bold leap forward in bridging real-world assets to decentralized finance. By leveraging blockchain, the platform promotes global equality in access to investment opportunities, enabling anyone—from seasoned investors to retail participants—to trade equities and pre-IPO shares previously restricted to financial elites.

With A360’s upcoming private sale, IDO, and IEO, Hilbert Group is reaffirming its position as a trailblazer in the digital and real-world asset markets while transforming financial systems for the betterment of all participants.

Socials:

Coin360 website: https://beta.coin360.com/
Coin360 X account: https://x.com/COIN360com/
Coin360 Telegram: https://t.me/COIN360com
Discord: https://discord.gg/56qxT3Yt
A360 website: https://a360.finance/
A360 X account: https://x.com/a360finance
A360 Telegram: https://t.me/a360finance
Discord: https://discord.gg/56qxT3Yt
Hilbert Group Website: https://hilbert.group/en/

About Hilbert Group

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Niclas Sandström and Dr. Magnus Holm, the Hilbert Group specializes in algorithmic trading within digital asset markets, utilizing strategies built around market volatility and decorrelation. The firm’s listing on Nasdaq First North ensures rigorous regulatory oversight while providing access to capital for continued innovation.

Notable for owning COIN360, a popular cryptocurrency market analytics platform, Hilbert recently enhanced COIN360’s features to strengthen its utility for millions of users seeking digital asset market intelligence. The group also expanded its reach through a strategic partnership with Xapo Bank, forming a $200M Bitcoin hedge fund.

With a focus on integrating emerging technologies, Hilbert’s mission is clear: to deliver innovative investment solutions while adhering to transparency, compliance, and security.

Leading Privacy Blockchain Zano Partners With Cake Wallet to Bring Mass Adoption to Privacy Tokens 1387

Zano, the L1 blockchain for confidential assets and private dApps, has partnered with Cake Wallet, one of the biggest non-custodial wallets among privacy enthusiasts, to make privacy features more accessible and user-friendly for the web3 community. Zano was founded by Andrey Sabelnikov, the lead developer behind CryptoNote – a privacy coin protocol used by Monero and hundreds of other projects.

This partnership brings Zano’s advanced privacy tools into Cake Wallet’s application, providing an enhanced experience for users seeking to safeguard their assets.

“Cake Wallet is dedicated to pushing privacy forward, and our partnership with Zano is a natural stepping stone in bringing robust privacy tools to the cryptocurrency community and beyond,” said Vikrant Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Cake Wallet.

While blockchain’s transparency is often seen as an advantage, this characteristic creates a major obstacle for financial institutions. Contrary to popular belief, full transparency is not always ideal, particularly in financial systems where privacy is paramount.

Institutions want to verify the integrity of their transactions and processes, but they don’t want to expose proprietary or sensitive information in the process. Blockchain must evolve to enable proof without revealing the data itself if it’s to gain traction in sectors requiring confidentiality.

The partnership empowers Cake Wallet users to hold, manage, and transact with Zano coins, giving them access to a privacy-first cryptocurrency within a non-custodial wallet. As part of the integration, Cake Wallet will support Zano’s confidential assets, which include private stablecoins and wrapped versions of major cryptocurrencies like zBTC and zETH.

”The values of Zano and Cake Wallet overlap quite a bit. Therefore, integrating the Zano blockchain into Cake Wallet seems like a natural fit, and we are very excited to be onboarded to such a wonderful privacy-friendly wallet,” said Quinten van Welzen, Head of Marketing & Growth.

Confidential Assets on the Zano blockchain are privacy-by-default tokens designed with the same privacy features as the native Zano coin, ensuring that transactions are confidential and secure. The feature expands Zano’s privacy capabilities to include custom assets, allowing businesses, developers, and users to create and manage their own privacy-preserving tokens.

By enabling privacy for a broader range of assets, Zano is advancing the use of blockchain technology as a reliable tool for secure and private digital asset management.

The partnership gives Cake Wallet’s privacy-focused community a secure, versatile option to explore Zano’s Confidential Assets and preserve their privacy. Zano users will be able to enjoy the simplicity of Cake Wallet’s user-friendly design while maintaining control of their assets within a private, transparent, and open-source environment.

About Zano

Zano is a next-generation, privacy-focused blockchain designed to provide secure, scalable, and anonymous transactions. Built with a focus on confidentiality, Zano enables users to transfer and manage assets with advanced privacy features such as hidden transaction amounts, untraceable addresses, and encrypted metadata. Zano leverages cutting-edge cryptographic techniques to ensure that transaction details are completely concealed, offering a level of financial privacy that is increasingly important in today’s digital world. Founded by Andrey Sabelnikov, the creator behind CryptoNote, Zano builds on his deep expertise in the privacy coin space, creating a blockchain that not only prioritizes privacy but also ensures scalability and seamless integration with existing blockchain ecosystems.

As concerns over financial surveillance continue to rise, Zano offers individuals and businesses an essential tool for protecting their financial data. The platform’s focus on private, secure transactions without sacrificing performance or usability makes it a key player in the evolving digital asset landscape.